Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Di Wu is a visiting postdoctoral researcher at York University and a visiting scientist at Environmental and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). She earned her Ph.D. from Fudan University. Her research interests include investigating the toxicological effects and molecular mechanisms of air pollutants, as well as immune dysregulation caused by emerging chemicals of concern.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar and hiking.
Graduate Students
I’m an MSc candidate, and my project focuses on discovering a new inflammatory marker and figuring out how it works. It's a super exciting area to explore because it could help pave the way for new treatments for inflammatory-related diseases in the future.
Away from the bench, I’m all about baking (especially anything vanilla), swimming, meditating, and spending time in nature. I also really love listening to music, especially when I’m doing experiments, as it helps me stay focused and in the zone.
Hey!
My interest in immunology started when my mom was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. That personal connection led me to pursue an MSc, where I’m now studying how exercise impacts the immune system.
Outside the lab, I’m into painting, badminton, squash—and I’m always planning my next trip! I also love learning languages, and I speak five of them, which helps me connect with new cultures and people.
I graduated from Dr. Sater's lab, and now I'm the research assistant in the lab. I'm currently working on toxicity screening of ambient air samples and tire antioxidants.
I love building model kits and playing games when I'm not in the lab.
Fun fact: I have been played a game more than 1000+ hours!
Saher Ahmed
I completed my Bachelor of Science in 2019 at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU, formerly Ryerson University), followed by my Masters in microbiology in 2021 at the same institution. I am now in the fourth year of my PhD in the Biology program at York co-supervised by Dr. Sater and Dr. Sweeney, examining cell death and inflammation caused by high glucose in cardiomyocytes and immune cells. In my spare time I enjoy reading, 1000-piece puzzles and making resin art.
Arafat Muhammed Cham
I am a budding clinical disease immunologist in the early stages of my career, with a keen interest in how heterogeneity in human immune responses and antigenic diversity influence clinical disease outcomes. My research journey spans over a decade, encompassing Immunology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. I had the privilege of contributing to the field of research while working at esteemed institutions such as the Medical Research Council at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in Banjul, The Gambia, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg, South Africa.
These invaluable experiences have fueled my passion for translational immunology research, leading me to pursue a Ph.D. focused on investigating the TRAF1/cIAP2 axis in TNFR2 signaling within the context of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Through my work, I aim to deepen our understanding of immune regulation and its implications for autoimmune diseases.
Fun fact: When I’m not in the lab, you’ll likely find me running - my ultimate stress reliever and passion!
Jasika Bashal, PhD Candidate
Laura Nicolucci, MSc Student
Hi! I'm a PhD student in the lab interested in genetic and environmental risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis. I study the cell-specific role of TRAF1 and the effect of car tire wear air pollutants in rheumatoid arthritis mouse models.
I like parks, hiking, traveling, cultures, exploring new places, and food spots
Fun fact: I sailed a Yacht!